How to get a job in Australia from India: skilled visas, skills assessment and resumes
The main skilled visa pathways in general terms, skills assessments and licensing, where Australian jobs are posted, Australian resume norms, and how to avoid migration scams.
Written by the JobRipe team · Last reviewed · 4 min read
Do it now: Job scam checker→The main pathways, in general terms
Australia's skilled migration system has three broad types of route: employer-sponsored visas, where an Australian employer nominates you for a role; points-tested skilled visas, where you're assessed on factors like age, English, qualifications and experience, sometimes with nomination by a state or territory; and other routes for graduates, working holiday makers and specific programmes, including some open to young Indian nationals.
Each route has its own occupation lists, requirements and fees, and these change regularly. The Department of Home Affairs website is the official source; check it, and its visa finder, for current rules.
Skills assessment and licensing
Most skilled visas require a skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation, such as the relevant professional body. They check your qualifications and experience against Australian standards. Each authority has its own documents and timelines, so find yours early.
Many occupations also need registration or a licence to work, including nursing and health professions (through national boards), teaching (through state teacher registration authorities), and trades such as electricians (state licensing). A positive skills assessment is not the same as a licence to practise.
Where to look for jobs
SEEK is the dominant job site in Australia, alongside LinkedIn, employers' own careers pages and Workforce Australia, the government's employment service. State government jobs are listed on each state's own careers site. Recruitment agencies are widely used for professional and contract roles.
On JobRipe, browse jobs in Australia and visa sponsorship jobs in Australia. Look for employers that mention sponsorship or visa support, and check whether your occupation is on the relevant list.
An Australian resume
Australian resumes are usually two to three pages for experienced candidates, reverse chronological, with a short career summary and key skills at the top. Don't include a photo, date of birth or marital status. Including your work rights or visa status clearly is useful, because it's one of the first things employers check.
Many Australian employers, especially in government, ask for responses to 'selection criteria' alongside your resume. Answer each criterion with a specific example, using the STAR structure. Referees are commonly requested later; ask two former managers in advance. See resume formats by country.
Interviews and offers
Interviews are often behavioural and value communication, teamwork and a practical, down-to-earth style. Practise with mock interview practice. Offers usually state an annual salary plus superannuation (a compulsory retirement contribution by the employer); check whether a figure is 'plus super' or 'including super', as this changes the comparison. Check typical pay on the salary explorer.
Regional and state options
Some visa routes and state nomination programmes favour people who live and work outside the largest cities, and some employers in regional areas find it harder to recruit locally. If you're open to living outside Sydney or Melbourne, read the state and territory migration websites as well as the federal Department of Home Affairs pages. Requirements and occupation lists differ by state and change often.
A first-month plan
Week 1: identify your occupation, its assessing authority and any licensing body, and read their current requirements. Book an approved English test if you need one. Week 2: start your skills assessment paperwork, including detailed experience letters from past employers.
Week 3: rewrite your resume in Australian format with your work rights stated clearly, and prepare selection criteria examples. Week 4: shortlist employers who sponsor in your field, set a job alert, and apply steadily while the assessment progresses.
Use registered migration agents only
In Australia, people who give immigration assistance for a fee must generally be registered migration agents or lawyers. The official register lets you check them. Be careful of anyone who sells guaranteed sponsorships, asks you to pay an employer for a nomination, or recommends arriving on a tourist visa to work. Employers shouldn't charge you to sponsor you. Use the scam checker and read overseas job scams.
Questions people ask
Can I get a job in Australia without a visa?
You need a visa with work rights. Some employers sponsor overseas workers; many prefer candidates who already have work rights through skilled, graduate or working holiday visas.
Do I need a skills assessment?
For most skilled visas, yes. The assessing authority depends on your occupation; check the Department of Home Affairs website.
How long is an Australian resume?
Often two to three pages for experienced candidates. Keep it focused and relevant to the role.
What is superannuation?
A compulsory retirement contribution paid by employers on top of or as part of your salary package. Always check whether an offer includes it.
Sources
Official pages this guide refers to. Rules change, so check them for the current position.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at support@jobripe.com and we'll correct it. How we write and review guides.